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Author Notes: My mother recently sent me an envelope full of her recipes. This chocolate cake as I remember is so wonderful, Very intense chocolate flavor, moist and fudgy. The icing is poured onto the cake while its still hot. It's so good and I remember this being one my favorites when I was a child. My Mother used margerine which I am including in the list of ingredients feel free to use butter instead. I decided to use Hershey's cocoa powder which is what my Mother used but you can use whatever you like, however after baking it I recommend a higher quality cocoa for a stronger chocolate flavor.
I don't know why its called Texas chocolate cake neither does my Mother, I don't even know how old this recipe is or where my Mother got it all I know is that its really good. I think this would be great with Nancy Silvertons genius whipped cream.
NOTE: I just made it with butter and it turned out perfectly. - sdebrango

Makes one 9x13 cake

The cake

2cups all purpose flour

2cups sugar

2 sticks salted butter or margarine

1cup water

1/4cup + 2 tablespoons good quality unsweetened cocoa

2 large eggs lightly beaten

1teaspoon baking soda

1/2cup buttermilk

1teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

In large mixing bowl whisk together the flour and sugar and salt, set aside. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour (to optimize chocolate flavor instead of flour use cocoa powder) a 9x13 baking dish.

In saucepan combine butter, cocoa and water. Bring to a boil stirring frequently. When it comes to a boil and is smooth turn off heat.

Lightly beat your eggs in small mixing bowl, measure your buttermilk and add the baking soda to the buttermilk and stir to combine. Add this to the eggs along with the vanilla. Add the egg buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients along with the butter and cocoa,water mixture. Mix with hand held mixer until smooth approximately 2 minutes. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. A few minutes before the cake is done start making the frosting. You pour the frosting on the cake right after it comes out of the oven.

Frosting

1 stick butter or margarine

1/4cup + 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1/4cup + 2 tablespoons milk or cream

1 box confectioners sugar

1teaspoon vanilla extract

In saucepan on med/high heat add the butter, cocoa and milk,whisking to combine let it come to a boil then remove from heat and add confectioners sugar and vanilla mix well. Pour over hot cake. Let cool on rack. The frosting will be soft and gooey. Serve while cake is slightly warm or room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream .

Made this today with my son -- it's SO good! I accidentally put 1/2 cup + 2 T cocoa in the cake (oops) -- but it didn't suffer. It's super chocolaty and moist and delicious. Will definitely be making this again and again.

I made this for my mother-in-law's birthday party yesterday. Everyone LOVED it - especially my brother in law who laid claim to the little leftover bit and made it quite clear that I should make another one, and soon. A big hit!!!!

I bet a lot of our mothers had a similar recipe. I know making that cake transported me to my childhood. I remember sneaking a little piece before eating dinner many a time. Its just so good. Thanks so much.

Thanks Pat, brings back childhood memories I could see myself snatching some from the kitchen. My Mom used margarine I tried it yesterday with butter and it turned out just fine. It literally took me 15-20 minutes to put it all together really quick and easy. Thanks so much and let me know if you like it. Going to try the genius whipped cream with it today I know that will be really good.